Shackfuyu, Soho

The latest pop-up Japanese inspired incarnation from the team behind Bone Daddies is a beauty, complete with downstairs drinking den and a rave-worthy menu to match. The cuisine here is their take on the Izakaya, (Japanese watering holes) serving up ‘drinking food’ with an ever changing menu designed to bring punters back regularly throughout their year-long tenure. Shackfuyu, which roughly translates as ‘winter shack’ can be found in the south eastern corner of Soho, in close proximity to other Social Concierge faves Bodega Negra and Quo Vadis.

There’s a no reservations policy, and as such, this is sure to be a packed spot Wednesday through Sunday. Thankfully, even if you’re arriving later on in the evening, there’s a hidden basement bar which serves cocktails, Japanese beer and loads of sake. If you’re arriving early and need to take the edge off, we’d suggest (taking the plunge) into the basement and ordering one of their frozen Yuzu margaritas, something of a signature drink across the Bone Daddies empire.

The Order

Where to start? There are so many great dishes here, you’ll find it a little difficult to not look like a bit of a glutton by ordering one of everything (as we did). It’s Insta heaven – don’t leave without at least trying a few of the following: Korean fried chicken, prawn toast, clay pot rice and *that* Kinako French toast with green tea ice cream. It’s also worth lending a wandering eye to the specials board. There you’ll spy a rotating selection of new dishes featuring recent inventions and seasonal produce. Have fun with it and use the quirky menu as a talking point. Gently graze and don’t forget to share.

The Game

This place is only going to be around for a year, which in the grand scheme of pop-ups seems like quite a long time, however you’ll want to grab yourself an intimate table towards the back or tucked away in one of the booths where low-lit tables allow you to bathe in a more flattering light. We pegged the original Bone Daddies as the perfect spot for a ’warm-up date’ and at Shackfuyu we get a very similar feeling. Go early, grab some drinks, order some food (but don’t be greedy), and have fun. You could well be setting yourselves up for a night ahead in Soho. If it all comes crashing down, you can always seek refuge across the road at Bar Termini.

The Faults

Whilst most all the dishes are delicious and novel takes on your standard Japanese, a few of the dishes aren’t as ‘date friendly’ as one might hope for and can be a little heavy going at times.